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  • Laura Folk
  • Laura Folk

transAtlantic and Italy

Une aventure de 58 jours par Laura En savoir plus
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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    14 May- Shopping

    14 mai, Italie ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    This morning we took out the trash. I texted with Francesca, asking where we were supposed to take it. Easy answer- on the next block there are a bunch of bins- recyclables of all kinds, organic trash, and other stuff. We did all that, then walked to the little shop down the block for some fruit and biscuits.

    Wayne hates Italian TV. I like it, because it helps me with the language - but "happy spouse, happy house." (I made that up- but others might have as well.)

    I found an electronics store, Euronics, that is sort of a smaller Best Buy. I checked the website and they had a USB C to HDMI cable that I hoped would let me mirror Netflix and YouTube.

    I used my handy at bus app, and entered the address incorrectly, but it was ok- I just had to walk a little longer once I got off the bus. When I finally got to the store, I was gobsmacked. It was in an entire life-sized, multi-level shopping mall, with not only the Euronics, but a Co-op supermarket- like Wegmans on steroids. And H&M, and a second level of stores that I didn't even look at.

    I got the cable, then did a little more grocery shopping. Luckily, I knew I'd have to carry everything, so didn't get too much. They have self-service dog food. Who knew?

    I found a bus back- the first one was so packed they couldn't close the door, so I got out. The next one was pretty full, but worked out well, and I discovered another stop near our place.

    The cable works! It was acting up at first, but then I realized that the case on my phone prevented the plug from inserting completely. So, problem solved, and after playing with phone settings, we watched a couple of episodes of Seven Dials- Agatha Christie .

    Capatelli with dried tomatoes for dinner.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    Another Kicked -Back Day

    15 mai, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We had planned to walk over to the Duomo today, but it rained, so we hung out and watched a movie.

    In the evening, we headed to the local bar. I had ordered Aperol spritz the last two times, but when I watched them make it the last time, I noticed only Aperol and soda- no prosecco. So tonight I ordered a Guinness.

    This bar is interesting. The first time we kept to ourselves. The next time we were seated next to some college guys from Massachusetts - one had been (or is still) in Air Force or Army. Nice conversation. Tonight we were next to a couple of guys from France. We talked about all sorts of things from travel to music, to food shopping in Florence.

    We went next door to the pizzaria and ordered a Quattro Stagione da portare. (4 Season pizza (ham, artichokes, olives, and mushrooms) to go). Back at our apartment, it matched up well with the rest of the wine that Viva's KitKat so kindly sent to our room.

    And another movie.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    Our apartment is behind the dark orange buildingThe higher white marking indicates the water level during the 1966 flood

    Walkabout Anniversary Day

    16 mai, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    45 of 'em... Years married, that is. We had our typical breakfast - juice, coffee, pastry, then set off on our day. We went around the corner to the restaurant we tried on our first night here. I asked for a reservation at 8, and was told, 7 or 9. OK .. 7 it is. (W wanted 8 because it will be 2 at home- the time of the ceremony - although I was late.)

    Our walk took us past the Arch in Piazza Della Republica, and on to Piazza Vecchio, with its statue of Davis and so many more. The lines for Uffizi were impressive. The towers are amazing around Tuscany, and Palazzo Vecchio is no exception. Onward to the Duomo. We got the lay of the land, and I got tickets online for Tuesday. We stopped at a restaurant for Coke Zero and a little tart for him, affogatto for me. I initially asked for gelato, but they only had big bowls... Too much for me. Affogatto was perfect.

    We walked to the Cathedral of Santissima Annunciata, where I planned to visit the chapel of San Pellegrino and put in a word for some special people. Nope. Can't pray there during lunch time... They close at 12:30 and open at 4. It was a little after 2. Another day. We did stop in to the Ssa Annunciata Farmacia, where I picked up a bottle of face cleanser. She gave me some skin cream samples, too.

    So on to Ponte Vecchio, which has beautiful views and a lot of gold shops. Not needing any gold, we enjoyed the views, and continued to the grocery to replenish the larder. It appears that we shop a lot- and we do, because 1) there isn't room to store a lot, and the fridge is tiny, and 2) we have to carry everything. And since we were right next to Strega Nocciolo, we had to stop for gelato. Almost to our apartment is a dark orange building, with a mark indicating the water height during the 1966 flood. Scary.

    Then home to get ready for dinner. When they say 7, they mean not a minute earlier. We were shown to our table, and presented with glasses of prosecco in honor of the day. Such a sweet gesture. We had prosciutto and a creamy cheese. I thought I had ordered the spaghetti with tomato sauce for Wayne, but he was served a thick, hearty tomato soup. He also ordered white beans. I had osso buco which was so flavorful. I could only eat a small amount, so it will serve as dinner for both of us on another day. The people at the next table ordered a Bistrcca Fiorentina- this monster would be dinner for their party of five, and I'll bet they didn't finish it. We got some dessert to go, but we're still too full to eat it tonight.

    The sun was setting, and I was able to catch some beautiful pictures of the sunset behind Ponte Della Grazie and Ponte Vecchio.

    Another great day, marking another great year in this great life.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 17 Church & Out for a Walk

    17 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    I decided to head to the little church around the corner - San Niccolo. It wasn't clear if Mass was at 10:30 or 11- websites listed both. Turns out 11 was the winner. I spoke with a woman who visits Florence twice a year. She hasn't been anywhere else in Italy. It later occurred to me that I might have asked her if she wanted to have coffee.

    Mass was good, with a little choir, and a sermon about Christ's presence around us- most of which I understood.

    The youth group is getting ready for a mission trip, and raising money, so they were taking donations and giving cookies and crocheted items.

    Later in the day, we went for a walk to the other side of the river and back across Ponte Vecchio, stopping the grocery store. I picked up some pasta, and a broom and dustpan. This apartment has everything, but I haven't seen a broom, and we desperately need a sweep.

    Stopped off at a bar for a bev. I had a Negroni Sbagliato which substitutes prosecco for the gin. Still packs a punch. There were the most darling dogs.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    In the Second Cloister
    Galileo's tombMichaelangelo's TombMemorial to Dante. He's not buried here, but in RavennaMachiavelli's TombThe water rose almost to this windowThe life of St FrancisDella Robbia -St BartholomewRosary and candle for special intentionsThe white mark in between the two windows marks the high point of 1966 flood-@15 feet at this point

    May 18- Sciopero, so Santa Croce

    18 mai, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We were supposed to go to Cinque-Terre today, but there's a rail/bus/ whatever strike, so we were given the option to reschedule, leaving today without a plan. So, we decided to visit Santa Croce.

    Santa Croce is only a few minutes away from us, and we've walked past it many times, but haven't gone inside. I went online for tickets. They said the tickets would be sent in 30 minutes. I ended up doing several chats with the company as our entry time approached, and received them after almost 2 hours, minutes before our entry time .

    What a place. Galileo, Machiavelli, and Michaelangelo are among the notables buried here- but that's not all. There are 2 beautiful cloisters, and the Refectory which houses some restored treasures from the flood of November 4, 1966.

    That day saw a devastating flood that not only took 35 lives, but resulted in the destruction of thousands of books, manuscripts, and works of art. For reference, the water reached about 15 feet where we are staying - we look down quite a distance- I'd guess 30-40 feet down-to the Arno from the road near our apartment. The water hit Santa Croce, The Duomo, and everything in between. Ponte Vecchio was severely impacted. I watched a documentary done at the time by Franco Zeferelli and Richard Burton, made to bring attention not only to the impact on the residents of this incredible city, but also on the effect on centuries-millenia of the world's culture. It highlights the efforts of people from around the world who participated in steps to preserve and restore what could be salvaged.

    The Last Supper by Giorgio Vasari was one of these. It was commissioned in the mid-1500s. It was salvaged, with tissue paper affixed to the surface to prevent the paint from falling off. Restoration didn't begin until 2005, and took over 10 years. The painting is breathtaking. They also installed a pulley system so in case of future flooding, it can be raised.

    We walked through the cloisters, enjoying the peace and beautiful views.

    When we departed, we headed toward our little "Santa Croce" grocery for more Coke Zeros. I saw a sign for St Francis Gardens, and took a detour. Back behind Santa Croce is the leather school. I was only there for a few minutes, but plan a return.

    After procuring the bevs and some more Doritos for W, we stopped at a little restaurant on the Piazza for some refreshment, and met a family -parents from DC and kids schooling in NYC. They were doing the total Room With a View thing, staying in the building over the restaurant. They were planning to do the sunset at Piazzalle Michaelangelo. We alerted them to the steep hike.

    Check the picture captions.

    And then home.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    Tomb of anti-Pope John XXIIIRenovation underway in The BaptistrySanta ReparataMary Magdalen by DonatelloMichaelangelo Pieta 1547

    May 19- Duomo Day

    19 mai, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We got a combination ticket for The Baptistry, Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata- the excavation under the Duomo (official name of the Duomo is The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). We opted out of climbing the dome and the bell tower.

    The Baptistry was the first stop. The dome is under reconstruction, so lots of scaffolding in the center of the building. The Baptistry contains some works of art, as well as the tomb of anti-Pope John XXIII.

    We were headed to the Museum a bit before noon, since our "show time" for the Crypt of Santa Reparata was 1 pm. The line was the length of the Duomo, so W took a seat, and I took our place in line. I met a very nice family from Austin, Texas, whose maternal roots were Italian. Their daughter was charming- 10 or so with red braids, and very knowledgeable. It took the better part of 45 minutes to make it to the front of the line, and then into the Duomo and down to the excavation. It was fascinating - mosaics, tomb carvings. The first building may have started in the 3rd-5th century. The current Duomo, built over the crypt, was completed in 1436.

    On to the Museum, which holds the Ghilberti doors (named Gates to Paradise by Michaelangelo) previously on the Baptistry. They were restored and moved to the museum in 1990 after damage from centuries of exposure and the flood of 1966. The museum houses works by Michaelangelo, Donatello, and many more. There is a Pieta by Michaelangelo from 1470. The chisel marks touched me- he actually made those marks- making his presence more apparent to me than the finished surfaces. The Donatello Mary Magdalen impressed me- she appears to be at total surrender to the Lord, giving hope to all.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 20- Cinque-Terre: Finally!

    20 mai, Italie

    First time, the taxi didn't come. Second time the trains weren't running. Today we were actually able to take the trip. The taxi app is great - 4 minutes! And the ride to Santa Maria Novella took only 7 minutes with no traffic at 6:15 am. The bar wasn't open yet, and W resisted going to McDonald's, but it was open, had cappuccino and pastries, and was a place to sit.

    We met up with the group and walked to the bus station area, where we had gathered for our excursion last week.

    The bus ride was about 2 hours. The towns have recovered more from the time I saw them after the 2010 floods. We did a lot of walking, a lot of train riding, and had a very nice lunch at a restaurant in Corniglia overlooking the ocean. In another town (Vernazza?) we had a gelato stop, and in Monterossa we sat at a bar along the beach for bevs.

    Long, good day.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 22- Bus ride to the Mall

    22 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Lack of pics today.

    W wanted to see the Mall, and also get an extension cord for the HDMI cord, so I won't have to keep hopping up to get through the commercials.

    We stopped at the bar/restaurant for breakfast stuff.

    Then to the huge Coop store, got more chips, mozzarella, and some tomato sauce.

    Survived the bus ride home, with evidence that chair hogs are everywhere. 1 person. 4 seats.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 23 Piazzalle Michaelangelo

    23 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The AT bus app is sometimes helpful, and frequently maddening. Piazzalle Michaelangelo is a VERY steep hike up the hill- a bit beyond our ability right now. We can do it- we DID do it, but we have to stop very frequently, blocking the way for those behind us. (The parade of people walking up to the Piazalle reminded me of the line to the summit at Everest.) And the exhaustion exceeds any feelings of accomplishment we should have.

    We know that buses go there- we saw them on our previous trek up there. So when we put our origin and destination into either the bus app or Google maps seeking a bus solution - they tell us to walk. 8 minutes, it says. And just finding out which buses go where is a challenge.

    After creating a bunch of pretend scenarios over hours, I found out that the 23 bus gets us to the Verazzano (yes) bridge, and we switch to the 13 bus to get to Piazzale Michaelangelo. They couldn't just tell me it was an option.

    Anyway, we made our way up there- the mistake being it was Saturday, so we were joined by hundreds if not thousands of fellow sunset-seekers. Couldn't get the good views, but the camera caught some, when held high over peoples' heads.

    We took a bus down, but didn't get off on time, so ended up past Santa Croce for a decent walk home- but not uphill.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    The restaurant kitchen from our bathroom

    This & That & Thoughts on the Trip

    25 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The little church around the corner - San Niccolo - was a nice place to visit. They have a little choir of about 10 women and the organist, who plays a keyboard for the service, and an organ piece at the end. There is a couple who do the readings, and the priest, in saddle shoes, lights the candles with a bic lighter before vesting. It finally occurred to me that I could bring up the Mass text in Italian on my phone so I could follow along. They sang Regina Caeli (in Latin) at the end- I guess because it was May. It felt good to sing along.

    Santissima Annunciata Cathedral was a great visit. On the he way back we stopped at the Santissima Annunciata Pharmacy - I got some face cleaner, and the lady gave me some face cream samples. Very nice product, so we went back to pick up a jar. She gave me perfume samples. Extremely nice, but I'll resist.

    Sunset- beautiful from the Piazalle Michaelangelo, but we were also very happy with the view from along the Arno. We got pics of Ponte Della Grazie with the sun setting behind Ponte Vecchio... We went to the park several evenings to enjoy the view without the climb (or bus chases). (And enjoyed some gelato.)

    Walking around - it's what we did most of the time. We took some buses, but mostly walking- Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio areas were our most frequent visits.

    Shopping - 2 things saved us from over-buying. 1) We had to carry everything. Not generally a problem unless we were doing the Coke Zero stock-ups. 2). The small fridge. If you get too much, you have nowhere to put it. There was very little left- some decaf coffee which I labeled and dated for the next visitors, the same with some Nesquick. We finished the olive oil that was there and left a mostly full bottle.

    Speaking Italian - when I was allowed to get a few words out before the locals switched to English, I was complimented. Some people were kind enough to let me continue in Italian. When we get on the ship, it will be tough not to use the "reflex words"- Buon giorno, grazie, prego, buona giornata, piacere.....

    Neighborhood Pub- we met the most interesting people- mostly Americans and Canadians, and mostly college age and recent grads- at the Joshua Tree Pub. We went frequently for an evening bev. The first couple of times I ordered Aperol Spritz- but instead of bitters, prosecco and a bit of fizzy water, it was all fizzy water. I switched to Guinness, while Wayne enjoyed Peroni.

    Food- We're eating a lot of Mozzarella and prosciutto at home. It's easy to fix, and I can't do too much pasta, although we have had some. Eating out, I have had tagliatelle al cinghiale - wild boar- several times. It's delicious.

    Our apartment - it was a great place to spend a month. It was perfect for Wayne and me. There were 8 steps up- so glad it wasn't more, and that we didn't end up on the third floor somewhere without a lift. I locked us out once, but Francesca's kids came to the rescue.

    The flood of 1966- the impact remains. Looking down at the Arno from the street, it appears to be 30-40 feet below. The flood went about 15 feet above the street level. All across Florence. That's a lot of water.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 26- Medici Chapels

    26 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Wayne wanted to see the outside of the Medici Chapels. We found the bus stop near our place (they moved it "temporarily" to the next block.). We got off the bus and walked to a cafe for a short stop. When we got to the Chapels, I decided we should go inside. I said "due vecchie", and even though they don't have a senior rate listed, she charged us 1 € less each

    The first level has some tombs, but not terribly exciting. I went to the second level and saw several Michaelangelo sculptures. I walked to another area, and oh my gosh... It was the most elaborate stone inlaid space I've ever seen.

    Lunch was at a Greek restaurant - enough leftovers for dinner.

    It's hot. My little fan is getting a workout. (We just discovered how to use the AC... What a relief!)    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 29Arrivederci Firenze, Benvenuti Civitavecchia

    29–31 mai, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Raining this morning. Appropriate, since the beginning of our trip was pretty rainy as well.

    There was a sciopero - a national railroad strike- that affected many trains. The dates for the strikes are posted, and there are trains that are guaranteed to run- luckily ours was one. The whole thing sort of boggles mind and logic, but...

     We survived what was not supposed to be a stressful day. Tried booking taxi to the train 7- count'em SEVEN times on different apps before finally getting a 73 Euro Uber to take us 3 km (@15 minutes) to the station. I was so disappointed - the AppTaxi worked so well for us before, but the sciopero might be affecting buses, which would put extra demand on the taxis.

    The board listing departures - including our train to Rome- didn't give us the track number until it was just about time to leave - and no space for the luggage on the train. The steward had us put it in the vestibule so they could move the trolley through the aisle.

    In Rome, there was no info posted anywhere for the local train to Civitavecchia- I ended up asking anyone with a Trenitalia logo anywhere on their person. First guy said to go to the end, turn left, and keep going. Reinforced by another guy after we'd been walking quite awhile. Then I stopped at another entrance along the way. I asked for the track number. He said 27. Kept walking, (to be fair, the first guy was correct) with departure time rapidly approaching. Got to the track and got a seat on the platform (in short supply) and... Waited. And waited. Finally the train arrived - at Track 28, which luckily shared a platform with 27. This was all 2nd class, but not crowded- left the bags in the vestibule area, and W kept an eye on them. As I was checking schedules, I noticed that the train after ours was cancelled.

    We ended up with a 40 Euro taxi from the train station to the hotel. Checked in and started to chill.

    We're staying at the Tenuta dell'Argento - the place where Greg & Megan found themselves quarantined several years ago. It's a very rural, bucolic area... EXCEPT - there are 2 large groups of young girls who are staying here for the national Gymnastics. They are very, um, energetic and vocal.

    There was most definitely wine with dinner. The server chose for us after I gave him a price range. It was very tasty. We shared a Burrata and prosciutto. I had cacio e pepe- indescribably delicious, and W had tagliatelle with ragu.

    The girls were energetic and vocal until they were corralled about midnight.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 30- Chilling in Civitavecchia

    30 mai, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After a light breakfast, we commenced a day of uninterrupted chilling. We chatted with Margarita, who worked for the US Navy at La Maddelena in Sardinia, and discovered that all the girls are here for the Italian national Gymnastics competition. They all then left to go do their competing.

    I opened one of the huge umbrellas on the patio, pulled out my knitting, fired up some podcasts, and enjoyed the tranquility. I was joined by the felines- orange and grey, who creatively alternated between sunning and seeking shade. A mama dog stopped by- she must sleep in the barn, because she had hay in her hair.

    We had some lunch, and spoke with Paolo from Padua. He and his wife were staying here because their daughters were competing in in-line hockey.

    Chilled some more til dinner, walking around the ranch and enjoying the patio. I got a little sunburn - it happens.

    Dinner was again delicious. I did the tagliatelle with cinghiale - really like that stuff.

    A little re-packing, and to bed. (With girls getting back late, of course)    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    May 31- All Aboard

    31 mai, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The girls had the breakfast room packed, so we got our food and went to the outside room- quite lovely, with a tree growing in the middle. We talked again with Paolo et al, and spoke English with the girls. They lost last night, so were playing again today for Bronze.

    We checked out and took a van to the port (€50), stopping at an ATM.

    Check-in at the port was pretty straightforward, and we did our muster drill then headed to lunch at the Ocean Pacific MDR. We headed to Spinnaker and enjoyed some conversations before heading to the stateroom.

    Bags arrived, did a little unpacking, then dinner at MDR, where we were seated at a very nice aft window. We headed back up to the Spinnaker and saw the huge, orange, full moon.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 1- Salerno and Military Reception

    1 juin, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After breakfast we took the shuttle to the terminal. We asked the information people about the Landing Museum. We'd seen everything from "open today" to "closed forever" online. They made a call and told us it was closed on Mondays.

    We walked along the promenade for awhile - many old men and some families enjoyed the morning.

    On to the old town, which was charming. We stopped first for a Coke Zero and espresso, then walked some more. I picked up some chips and nutella-like cookies. W wanted to sit, so I wandered off, and found a sfogliatella in a pasticceria. Worth the walk. I wandered some more, then returned to Himself who had become the target of an apparently quite large pigeon dive-bomber. What a mess.

    We helped him recover ar a small restaurant where we had a Caprese, a horn of mixed fried seafood (which came with a Spritz- I chose limoncello for €10), and of course, the mandatory Coke Zero.

    Then back to the ship for major cleanup, and the Military Reception - pictures with the Captain- followed by dinner at La Cucina. The Maitre d' is Analyn. When we said we were too full for dessert, she invited us to come back another night for dessert.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 2- Catania

    2 juin, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We were greeted this morning by a beautiful view of Mout Etna. I recalled Latin class in 8th grade with a story about "High Etna."We took a small tour bus around the town. Many churches and lovely ocean scapes.

    We walked to the Duomo Square and had a light lunch at a cafe. On our way back to the bus meeting place, we passed the tour office. A bus was outside - we hopped on, and picked up a group to go back to the port.

    Dinner was at Bistro-wonderful as always    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 3- Corfu

    3 juin, Grèce ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We did an excursion around the island and to the Adams estate that is now a museum. The history as seen through the architecture is fascinating - ancient temples, medieval castles, fortifications against the Ottomans, Victorian buildings

    The old town has the church of Saint Spyridon whose tower appears over little streets. Of course, I lit a candle. There are lots of interesting shops. We stopped for gelato, tasted some kumquats, and W got a ballcap. Then a sit for bevs. I ordered a peach something or other, but received a purple something that tasted just fine.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 4- Montenegro

    4 juin, Monténégro ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Clocks back an hour last night😁

    What a beautiful harbor area! This is a tender port for us. We got a boat- not tender- last 2 on, which made us the first on our bus. First stop was Parast. Nice little town with many waterfront hotels and restaurants. We stopped for some ice cream, then I walked around a bit. It's hot- I found some shade for us under a tree, and picked up a bev for Himself.

    From Parast we went to Kotor- walked around inside the walled city and shared a Kotor krempita- a 3 layered vanilla puff pastry delight- sort of like a Napolean.

    Back to the ship, and Dinner with the Officers. We were with the Embarkation Officer, and the Finance Officer. It was nice- and we discovered that one of the couples was in Star with us when it died in the Tasman Sea.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    Cars parked neatly on the sidewalk

    June 5- Croatia

    5 juin, Croatie ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Today's venture was a Ho-Ho experience around Split. Lots of history and buildings and the soccer stadium, and sculptures. The downtown area has Diocletian's retirement digs and the Church of St. Francis.

    Also featured are numerous gelaterias. There was a market going on- all the usual tourist stuff, in addition to the proper market meats, fruits, veggies, preserves et al.

    Dinner at Cagney's. And a rainbow.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur
    1

    June 6- Trieste->Slovenia

    6 juin, Slovénie ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We were scheduled to dock in Koper, Slovenia, but apparently there were conflicts with docking, so the itinerary was changed to Trieste, Italy. I was glad to see an excursion to Slovenia, because my grandfather's entry documents to Ellis Island gave Slovenia as his country of birth.

    First stop- Wine Paradise (Babçi?)- really nice sweeter red wine. We raised our glasses to Grandpa Folk. ("Na zdravje, Dedek"- thanks, Larry !). Then olive oil tasting- machines not working well, and the kind I got sort of stung my throat.

    Then to a Market-(Marezige ?)Strudel & cheese/figs with olive oil. Ladies were really nice.

    In Koper we had Burek- sort of a farmer/cottage cheese strudel, (apparently popular on your way home after a night of bar-hopping). I really liked it... Wayne, not so much. The next stop was for donuts, filled with apricot jam. By this point, I only finished half of mine. Good, not great- and I was conscious of the oily taste.

    Then back to the ship, and dinner at the Gran Pacific MDR, where we got a really nice window seat, and a great sunset.

    We headed up to La Cucina for dessert of Panna Cotta and cannoli, compliments of Analyn... W's new best friend.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 7-Disembarkation and Bologna

    7 juin, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Ugh- nothing worse than disembarking... Except, maybe, packing.

    We had a quick breakfast - ate in La Cucina to avoid the crowds.

    We booked the bus transfer to the train station, after hearing the horror stories of 2 hour waits for taxis the last time they had a turnover day in Ravenna. It was a bit of a mess, and we had some displays of stressed passengers behaving badly -- but eventually we all landed in buses. With over2 hours til our train, we hung out in a park for awhile before crossing to the station. I got a coffee, and in honor of Judy & Glenn, I got Magnum bars for us. (We did not share.)

    The train trip was uneventful. We stowed our bags in the bicycle area, since no bikes were present. We got a taxi, and checked in to the AC by Marriott.

    W was hungry, but of course all restaurants were closed, so we ended up at LIDL for emergency provisions.

    Dinner in the hotel restaurant- my first tortellini Alla Panna in a very long time.

    The World Dog Competition is taking place in Bologna, and we had the privilege of sharing the dining room with Frida- the winning poodle.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolktransAtlantic and ItalyVoyageur

    June 8-9 Bologna, Heathrow, and home

    8 juin, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Monday morning found us getting up for breakfast - typical - lots of pastries, some meats & cheeses. We have been struggling with our multiple bags, so went to purchase a large suitcase that will go to The Daughter for her travels. Found a good one for €60. Repacked, had dinner, and to bed.

    On Tuesday we had breakfast, then caught a taxi to the airport. We saw lots of dogs and their people going to their planes. We had some time in the lounge, then onboard to Heathrow. We were seated with a nice gal from Kansas who is a Golden Retriever breeder. She explained the World Show that took place in Bologna, as well as a lot of other shows around the world and in the US. Different countries have different rules for dogs regarding grooming, tail docking, etc.

    Once at Heathrow, we had to do the whole security thing again, then headed to the lounge for some relaxation. Our departure gate was in the midfield terminal, so we took the underground train, and arrived with plenty of time.

    The flight was fine in Premium economy. I snoozed and caught a movie or two. Wayne had someone in front of him who did a full recline. I offered to change seats, but... And then, all of a sudden, we were at BWI. Global Entry was so easy - look in the camera, and that's that. Then, the wait for luggage. Took awhile, (except, wouldn't you know, Mr. Seat -Tilter's bag showed up at the very beginning,) and as we exited past customs, we saw our dear girl, who took us home.    En savoir plus

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    Fin du voyage
    9 juin 2026